BISHKEK — Youth and sports ministers from the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) gathered in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek on Wednesday for a high-level summit aimed at strengthening unity among young people across the Turkic world, developing joint projects, expanding sports cooperation, and sharing best practices in youth policies.
The gathering brought together key officials and delegations from across the Turkic region to deliberate on strategic priorities, collaborative ventures, and institutional initiatives designed to empower the younger demographic. Discussions centered heavily on leveraging shared historical bonds to foster contemporary cooperation, with participants exploring new avenues for regional integration through education, entrepreneurship, athletic competitions, and cultural exchange.
Opening the high-profile meeting, Kyrgyz Culture, Information and Youth Policy Minister Mambetaliyev underscored that fraternal cooperation rooted in common goals, culture, and spiritual heritage forms the absolute cornerstone of diplomatic and social relations among Turkic-speaking states. Mambetaliyev emphasized that the shared historical and cultural ties binding the member nations provide an unshakable foundation for their enduring partnership, noting that his government views comprehensive youth policy not merely as a sector of governance, but as a fundamental, long-term investment in a shared and prosperous future.
Elaborating on domestic priorities within Kyrgyzstan, the minister pointed out that more than 2.5 million young people account for approximately one-third of the country’s total population. To address the needs and aspirations of this vital demographic, he said Kyrgyzstan has implemented a consistent and systematic national youth policy, highlighted by the introduction of a comprehensive youth policy concept extending through the year 2030.
Mambetaliyev outlined ongoing efforts within the country to vigorously support grassroots youth initiatives and innovative startup projects, expand broad access to financial resources, and strengthen vibrant volunteer movements. The primary overarching goal, he added, is to seamlessly combine national values with leading global practices to train highly qualified professionals capable of competing on the international stage.
Looking toward future multilateral milestones, Mambetaliyev formally proposed declaring the historic city of Manas as the designated "Youth Center of the Turkic World" for 2027, inviting all OTS member states to throw their full support behind the initiative. He also reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s firm intention to host a major multilateral youth exchange program alongside a dedicated forum for young leaders and entrepreneurs in 2027. Furthermore, he reiterated a proposal previously put forward by the Turkish delegation to organize a specialized chess tournament among Turkic-speaking countries, an initiative intended to strengthen human capital and improve strategic thinking skills among the younger generation.
Highlighting the cultural and athletic dimensions of regional integration, Mambetaliyev expressed deep pride in the significant expansion of the World Nomad Games under the protective umbrella of the OTS, noting how the traditional sporting festival has captured global attention while reinforcing fraternal bonds.
Turkish Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak echoed these sentiments, expressing his profound satisfaction with how initiatives undertaken over the past decade have successfully evolved into concrete joint projects and lasting institutional cooperation mechanisms. Looking ahead, Bak stated that in the coming period, member states will further strengthen the deep bonds of friendship across the entire Turkic world by bringing young people and athletes together with greater frequency and through more diverse platforms.
Asanbaev, head of Kyrgyzstan’s State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports, reinforced the sports-diplomacy narrative by pointing out that the sixth World Nomad Games, successfully hosted by Kyrgyzstan this year, have played a vital role in tightening cooperative ties between brotherly nations and showcasing shared heritage to the world.
Representing Azerbaijan, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Hajiyeva brought a strategic perspective to the table, stressing the critical importance of organizing future cooperation activities around the specific professional interests and passions of young people, rather than relying solely on general diplomatic meetings or ceremonial gatherings.
From Uzbekistan, Sadullayev, head of the Youth Affairs Agency, emphasized that the ultimate unity and solidarity of the entire Turkic world rest securely in the hands of its youth. He underscored the profound importance of designing targeted projects and dynamic programs specifically tailored to engage the 76 million young people residing across the broader Turkic geography.
The perspective of Kazakhstan was presented by Kambarov, head of the Youth and Family Affairs Committee at the Kazakh Culture Ministry, who outlined the robust youth programs and multifaceted activities currently being carried out within his country with dedicated state support.
Guliyev, deputy secretary-general of the OTS, offered an institutional overview, asserting that young people will ultimately inherit and carry forward the immense achievements of the Turkic world. He assured delegates that joint activities and cooperative frameworks among member states will continue to deepen in the years to come.
As the meeting concluded, delegates finalized arrangements for the ongoing continuation of the dialogue, with the official announcement that the 11th Meeting of Youth and Sports Ministers will be hosted by Türkiye next year.